The Zamfara State Government has diagnosed about 172 youths with psychiatric problems from drug abuse in the last six years.
Mr. Ladan Hashim, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics and Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state, expressed delight that the War Against Drug Abuse with Students as Positive Agents of Change at the Zamfara State College of Health Science and Technology is gaining positive results.
He explained that the NDLEA in Zamfara had referred many patients to psychiatric hospitals for treatment.
According to him, from January to September, the NDLEA apprehended 221, saying that 211 of them were males and 10 females, while 152 were counselled.
In the year 2020, he stated that 14 psychiatric patients were recorded and appealed to members of the public to see the victims of drug abuse as sick persons, not criminals.
He emphasized, “Therefore, a victim of drug abuse needs our collective empathy, understanding, and support to facilitate timely intervention and recovery through treatment, care and social integration.”
He further explained that many of the youths are now in jails, some in treatment centres, and a good number have developed one ailment or the other such as cancer of throat, liver, or kidney damage.
Hashim said the best or safest way is for everyone to use drugs based on medical prescription by professionals.
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